If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cataracts, you may already know they can cause cloudy vision and trouble seeing at night. But can they also lead to headaches or dizziness? And what should you watch out for?
The short answer is yes, cataracts can contribute to headaches and dizziness, but they aren’t usually the direct cause. These symptoms are more likely to result from the visual strain or changes in depth perception caused by cataracts rather than the cataracts themselves.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop when the clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy over time. This clouding blocks light from passing clearly through the lens, making it harder to see.
Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Trouble seeing at night
- Faded or yellowed colors
- Double vision in 1 eye
Cataracts can develop in 1 or both eyes and are most commonly related to aging. However, other causes include diabetes, eye injuries, long-term use of certain medications (like corticosteroids), or excessive exposure to UV light. Lifestyle and health factors can also increase the risk.
Types of Cataracts
There are several types of cataracts, each affecting the lens in different ways:
- Nuclear cataracts: Develop in the center of the lens and can cause nearsightedness or difficulty seeing in low light.
- Cortical cataracts: Form on the outer edges of the lens and often create glare and contrast issues.
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts: Affect the back of the lens and can progress quickly, interfering with reading and vision in bright light.
- Congenital cataracts: Present at birth or develop during childhood, often due to genetic factors or infection.
How Cataracts Develop Over Time
Cataracts usually form gradually as proteins in the lens break down and clump together, causing vision to become cloudy. This process is most often linked to aging, but other contributors can include:
- UV light exposure
- Smoking
- Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
- Previous eye surgeries or trauma
- Prolonged use of certain medications
Cataracts & Secondary Symptoms: What’s the Link?
While cataracts don’t directly cause headaches or dizziness, they can lead to visual changes that contribute to these symptoms. Here’s how:
Eye Strain
Blurry or dim vision makes your eyes work harder to focus, especially during tasks like reading or driving. This extra effort can result in fatigue and visual discomfort.
Tension Headaches
When your eyes are constantly straining or squinting to compensate for poor clarity, it can cause the muscles around your eyes and forehead to tense, leading to headaches.
Dizziness & Balance Issues
Cataracts can alter depth perception or cause double vision in 1 eye, leading to a sense of imbalance or vertigo. You may feel unsteady on your feet or more prone to missteps, particularly in dim lighting or unfamiliar environments.
Light Sensitivity
Halos and glare from lights, common with cataracts, can overwhelm your visual system, triggering headaches or disorientation in certain settings.
If you’re noticing a mix of these symptoms alongside visual changes, an eye exam can help determine whether cataracts are the underlying cause.
Lifestyle Adjustments That May Help
Healthy habits can support your long-term vision and may help slow the progression of cataracts:
- Improve lighting: Bright, focused lighting can make reading and detail work easier on your eyes.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses: Shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays can help protect the lens of your eye over time.
- Minimize glare: Anti-reflective lenses or avoiding night driving can reduce halos and light sensitivity.
- Take regular breaks: Following the 20-20-20 rule can help ease eye fatigue. During screen time, every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
These small adjustments can make everyday visual tasks more comfortable and may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts earlier in life.
The Importance of Early Detection & Treatment
Early signs of cataracts can be subtle and easy to overlook. Regular eye exams are an effective way to detect them before they significantly affect your quality of life.
Your optometrist may recommend cataract co-management, a care model that includes monitoring your condition, updating your prescription, and referring you to an ophthalmologist for surgery when needed.
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment that replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, restoring clearer vision and relieving the symptoms that may be interfering with your daily routine.
Caring for Your Vision as You Age
Not every headache or dizzy spell means you have cataracts—but your eyes play a significant role in how you experience the world. As you age, changes in your vision can affect your comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Total Vision Culver City is here to help. We offer comprehensive eye exams, cataract co-management, and support every step of the way.
If you are experiencing 1 or more of these symptoms, book an eye exam to assess your vision and explore personalized treatment options.
